City of Como, towns and villages:
Just half an hour from Milan, Lake Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquility, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. One of the best vantage points for this breathtaking view is in Piazza Cavour, in the town of Como. Nearby is one of the grandest hotels in all Europe, the Villa D'Este, whose rooms are almost like museum galleries. Lake Como is renowned for its exquisite villas, and probably the most famous one is Villa Carlotta. Varenna may be the most picturesque town on the lake, its steep winding alleys lined with charming homes, flowering balconies and lace-curtained windows. Two famed villas to visit here are Villa Cipressi, with terraced gardens cascading right down to the shores, and Villa Monastero, a true showcase. On the southern shore is Bellagio, considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, impeccable homes and glorious villas make it a most enchanting to visit.
Pearl of the lake:
Bellagio, lies at the tip of the headland that splits Como’s two branches. One of the 'prettiest towns in Europe,' it is home to the rich and famous. Today, it is the property of the Rockefeller Foundation. Like its neighboring towns of Varenna and Menaggio, a colorful promenade with flowering trees, quaint outdoor cafes that serve cappuccinos and gelato, and elegant restaurants, hug the shoreline. There are boutiques galore huddled along the narrow steps that march up the hill. Elegantly dressed patrons purchase Italy’s famous silk, pottery, and leather goods. Window boxes of red geraniums and fragrant bougainvillea decorate the cobblestone streets. Arcaded buildings with flowing draperies (to shade the shoppers), palm trees, and balmy weather give Bellagio a Mediterranean feel. A park filled with linden trees and park benches overlooks the grand waterway. Gazing northward, past Menaggio and Varenna, the Swiss Alps touch the waters at the end of the lake.
The Villages of Nesso, Veleso & Zelbio:
Nesso is a small village built on the lush and steep banks of Lake Como. Nesso is one of the original lake villages of the Roman age; a beautiful town keeping its traditional charm along with the many natural free flowing waterfalls. There are two stores, a pharmacy next to the restaurant and a post office just south. Veleso and Zelbio are villages neighboring each other situated just above Nesso. Directly adjacent Villa Gisella is ‘the old road’, in the past used for main travel between villages, now used for peaceful walks. Veleso boasts “Bella Vista Restaurant”, an unparalleled view from the top of Lake Como with food and service to match served by gourmet Chef Paolo and his wonderful parents. Zelbio famed for its majestic church, is equally known for, “the National” a family run bistro, it brings people back for their delicious pizzas and drink, tivinello. Both villages have stores, post offices and bus stops. The local ferries stop all along the lake including Nesso.
Other Activities:
Horseback Riding, Hiking, Swimming, Beaches and Lake Como
